The Hazara community came together for a powerful and deeply moving exhibition, Human Thesis: Hazara Stories — held at the Walker Street Gallery and Arts Centre in Dandenong.

Presented by Ondru in collaboration with the Hazara Shamama Association and friends, this unique exhibition brought to life the voices of Hazara people through art, storytelling, and shared lived experiences.

Developed over several months through community workshops, the project explored themes of home, identity, displacement, and belonging. Through a combination of photography, woven textiles, sculpture, and performance, the exhibition reflected the journeys of Hazara individuals and families rebuilding their lives here in Melbourne.

The works of artists Zsofia Samu and Shane Lam transformed personal stories into visual narratives - capturing both the fragility and strength of communities shaped by displacement.

The evening program itself was rich and engaging. Guests were welcomed with live music, food, and an opportunity to connect before the formal proceedings began. The opening included a heartfelt Acknowledgment of Country by Preeti Maharaj in English, and Dr Zakir Hussain in Hazaragi - grounding the event in respect, culture, and shared belonging.

This was followed by warm and thoughtful welcome speeches by Karen Hart and Dr Zakir Hussain, who reflected on the importance of storytelling, community, and creating spaces where diverse voices can be heard. The official unveiling of the exhibition marked a proud and symbolic moment for all involved.

A highlight of the evening was the storytelling panel discussion, where members of the Hazara community shared deeply personal reflections on identity, memory, and what “home” truly means. These honest and powerful insights resonated strongly with the audience.

The program also featured a captivating dance performance by Kathleen, bringing movement and emotion to the themes of the night, followed by live music from Iftikhar Sarwari and Habib Sahadat, which created a vibrant and uplifting atmosphere as guests continued to connect and reflect.

Human Thesis: Hazara Stories is more than an exhibition - it is a reminder of the importance of listening, understanding, and standing in solidarity with communities whose stories are too often unheard.

We thank everyone who attended, supported, and contributed to making this event a meaningful and memorable experience.